Dolly Parton is known as one of the most legendary country music stars of all time. That’s why it came as a shock to fans on Wednesday when Parton questioned if she’s even “still considered a country artist!”
Parton Sounds Off
The question actually makes sense if you take a second to think about the last few times you’ve seen Dolly. Has it been in the context of country music, or something else?
“I do so many things, sometimes I wonder if I’m still considered a country artist,” Parton, 78, said while being interviewed on CBS Mornings. “Although I’m a country girl… I’ve had the chance to do things like my rock album… movies… I wasn’t sure.”
This comes after Billboard named Parton as the “number one country artist of all time.” In yesterday’s interview, Parton admitted that she was “shocked” by this, as she did not know there was “such a category” and that she was going to be “voted for it.” Despite this, Parton is still “very proud and honored more than anything.”
“I was surprised, but I was in company with Willie and Johnny Cash…Loretta Lynn and all those wonderful people,” she said.
Indeed, Dolly belongs in good company!
Host Gayle King was quick to challenge Parton about this, asking, “Why are you shocked and surprised? Honestly, at this stage in your [career]… You know you’re a bad-[expletive] … There is no other choice when it comes to that particular ranking.”
Parton responded by referencing Billboard naming Beyoncé as the greatest pop star of the 21st century.
“I think it’s very well deserved, although Taylor Swift [who earned the second spot in the list] is a dear friend of mine… to me, it could’ve gone either way, but you just never know, because there are so many other great artists,” Parton added.
Parton ‘Wrestled’ With Fame Over Family
Later in the interview, Parton admitted that she has “wrestled” with fame over family throughout her decades-long career.
“You always have to do that,” Parton explained. “Of course, I love family… especially I love being home for the holidays. And to my knowledge, I’ve never missed a Christmas. But I’ve missed Thanksgiving and a lot of other holidays.”
“I try my best to be home for Christmas, but when you’re in show business you have to do [when] they call,” she concluded. “It’s so important though, for the holidays… to be home with family and friends.”
Parton Is More Than Just A Country Artist
Many fans will likely be shocked that a legend like Parton would question if she’s “still considered a country artist.” However, it’s likely that Parton was referring to the fact that she’s not famous for just one thing anymore, since she has her eggs in so many baskets!
In the music world, Parton has challenged herself by branching out into other genres. One year ago, Parton released her hugely successful rock album Rockstar. She has also been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, showing that she has incredible range.
Then there’s the fact that Parton is famous for so many things outside of music. She’s been an actress in classic movies like 9 To 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. Parton is also famous in the amusement park world. Indeed, her iconic Tennessee theme park Dollywood gets around 3 million visitors per year.
Related: Dolly Parton Invites Kate Middleton And Royals To Thanksgiving At Dollywood
Finally, Parton is famous for her charity work. Thirty years ago, she launched her Imagination Library in the hopes of improving literacy among children. This organization allows kids under the age of 5 to enroll to have books mailed to their homes each month.
These days, the Imagination Library sends out more than three million books every month. It has expanded to 21 states and other countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. In the three decades that the Imagination Library has been around, it has sent more than 240 million books!
While Parton will always be a country girl at heart, she is more than just a country music star. In the end, the world is lucky to have someone as incredible as Dolly Parton in it!
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